How Online School Supports Students with Special Needs

Key Takeaways

• Academy With Community Partners (ACP) maintains a continuum of special education services and alternative placements so students can access support in the setting that fits their needs.
• Services are available to students who qualify and are in need of specially designed instruction, not automatically based on a diagnosis alone.
• Support typically starts within the general education classroom, with small-group or one-on-one instruction available for students who need more intensive support.
• Once enrollment documents are received, the school will convene to review a student's IEP or evaluation and determine supports that are needed.
• Families researching online schools for special education can also explore ACP's academic offerings alongside its special education services.

Academy With Community Partners (ACP) is a tuition-free public school with a brick-and-mortar campus in Mesa, Arizona, as well as an asynchronous online learning option for families who need it. Families exploring special education support are often looking for more individualized attention than a large, fast-moving classroom can offer, and ACP maintains a continuum of special education services and alternative placements to help ensure a free appropriate public education is provided in the least restrictive environment. Depending on a student's needs, support may be provided through itinerant, supplementary, or full-time special education services delivered in the classroom, in small-group settings, or online through the asynchronous option.

ACP provides special education services to students who qualify and are in need of specially designed instruction. Support typically begins within the general education classroom, where special education and general education teachers collaborate to provide the supports needed, using breakout groups for small-group instruction when a student needs it. Students who need a more intensive level of support may receive small-group or one-on-one instruction, depending on their individual needs.

Enrolling with an IEP or 504 Plan

During enrollment, families have the opportunity to let ACP know if their child has an IEP or 504 plan. Parents and guardians can provide a copy of these documents directly, or ACP can request them from the student's previous school. Once documents are received, the school will convene to discuss the student's IEP, which may include adopting, amending, or conducting an annual review as required. Parents and guardians are included as active participants in these discussions.

It's worth noting that an IEP and a 504 plan serve different purposes and aren't interchangeable. Special education services and IEPs are generally coordinated separately from 504 accommodations, so families should expect the two to be discussed and documented on their own tracks.

What Online Learning for Special Needs Students Looks Like at ACP

At ACP's Mesa, Arizona campus, small class sizes help reduce some of the noise and social pressure of a large, fast-moving classroom, and give teachers room to pull students into smaller, more focused groups when needed. Students also have access to tutoring support based on need.

Families who choose ACP's asynchronous online learning option can expect a similar continuum of support, with live sessions that include breakout group activities to create a smaller, more focused setting than a single large lecture. Families can review ACP's full academic overview to see how these options fit alongside core subjects.

Families interested in learning more about accommodations for their child are welcome to visit ACP's general about us page or contact the school directly for details specific to their student's situation.

FAQs

Is online school good for students with special needs? It can be a strong fit for many students, particularly those who benefit from smaller group settings and a more individualized level of support than a traditional classroom offers.

Can students receive IEP or 504 support in online school? Yes. ACP is one of the online schools for IEP students that reviews a student's existing IEP or 504 plan upon enrollment and works with families to determine appropriate services going forward, whether a student attends in person at the Mesa campus or through the asynchronous online option.

How do I find out what special education services are available for my child? The best way to get details specific to your child is to contact ACP directly. Staff can walk through what services and accommodations may apply based on your student's documented needs.